Sep
7
The first firehall
It has come to my attention that the first firehall in James Bay was located on Kingston Street, alongside what was then the Cooley Street Sheet Metal Firm. It was the first firehall to be closed--it was firehall number 2--and then relocated in a two-engine hall at the top of Yates Street. That building is still there but is used by a young people's group.
H.B. Smith
You can most certainly have the same privilege as dogs
Dear ignorant non-dog owner. In admitting your ignorance, I ask that you enlighten yourself on the following before complaining about dog walkers on the breakwater. Many of us who own dogs in Victoria have rescued these animals in order to give them a loving home. In doing so, we struggle to find a home for even ourselves that allow pets, let alone find pet friendly transportation and nearby dog parks.
As a society we work to maintain the canine population in shelters and encourage the adoption of shelter animals. Yet, those of us who adopt canine friends are left with little housing options, a lack of transportation, empty wallets, and very limited space to let these animals roam and play. Isn't this a little hypocritical?
Residing in James Bay has the great advantage of living close to the Dallas Road dog beach; however, this 1.5 km stretch is one of the only beaches in Victoria that allows dogs during the summer. Therefore, please ask yourself you own question "Can I have the same privilege as dogs?" you have the privilege of attending every beach and every walkway in Victoria, and you have the privilege to ride the bus to get to each and every one of them. This includes the entire stretch of both on and off leash areas of Dallas Road that you are always welcome to walk on. If you would really like the same privilege as a dog, please reduce your free walking to one beach only.
We dog owners are very happy to finally be able to enjoy just a little more ground with our canine friends. I encourage you to reconsider your privilege more thoroughly before you suggest taking "privilege" from those who have so little to begin with.
M. Caspar
Dog owners should be able to enjoy this city too!
After reading the letter submitted by J. Chang, 'Can I have the same privilege as dogs?' I feel I am obligated to respond on behalf of responsible dog owners in our wonderful city.
A few years back I bought a condo in James Bay and enjoyed everything Victoria had to offer until recently. Traveling south for the winter, I became involved with 'no-kill' shelters, where unwanted and abandoned dogs get a last chance at life. I brought one of these 'lost souls' home with me. Now, because of the archaic mindset of Ms. Chang and many others like her in this community, I am now searching for new accommodations, one that allows dogs. Not an easy task in this city.
Ms. Chang intimates that mom, toddler and dog did not really enjoy their walk. Why not? Is Ogden Point not for everybody?
Stating that the 'polite dog requires privacy' and then generalizing that all dogs have a 'natural hyperactive tendency' is not only incorrect but proof that Ms. Chang is bereft of any dog-savvy whatsoever and therefore should not be speaking out on their behalf. To suggest that any responsible dog owner would subject their dog to "sudden changes in weather and high winds in such limited space" is sheer rubbish and harmful fear-mongering.
She is a self-proclaimed 'ignorant non-dog owner', with a past experience that precludes inclusion so I can only say that it would not be practical nor tolerable to rid the world of Ms. Changs' pre-conceived fears. The message gained is: "not in my back yard." In her words, send them over to Clover Point instead. Why not let dog-owners enjoy this wonderful city too, without the restrictions.
Mary Russell
Welcome the attractive railings
I love reading the James Bay Beacon and eagerly look forward to each edition! In response to Kris Meyers' letter, "Objections to extend mural on the Breakwater," I welcomed the attractive and stylish railings. The breakwater looked unfinished without them and certainly wasn't safe or inviting. I also love the murals and would be happy to have them extended to any degree. The colours and the shapes add variety and give inspiration. They also tell stories new and old.
By Mary Adams
Unity wall mural
The beautiful mural does not detract from nature or the view - it enhances a cold concrete man-made structure. This amazing work of art represents the soul of the area, the history of its people. Two well-known artists, Butch Dick and Darlene Gait from Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, have come together with artwork for the community that creates a bridge between all cultures. The project provides mentoring and work for young aboriginal and non-aboriginal artists. A mural brings work out of the galleries and directly to the people. This is a tourist attraction and a local favourite. On completion, it will be a Guinness World Record for the longest mural in the world. The inscription in the local language can be interpreted as 'many blessings on this place'. I think we are blessed to have it.
Sidney Bending
Objections to extend the mural on the breakwater
Thanks for bringing this project to my attention Kris. However, after reviewing the plans I think that the mural extension is a wonderful idea. Anything to spruce up the rather industrial looking Ogden Point, and the plain concrete walls that often are subject to graffiti. I welcome the colour and vibrancy of the art murals.
Barry Carvish